Three
and a half weeks left! Ahhhhhh! Time is flying by!
This
week our project director, Billa, told us the story of how Future Leaders UCC
was created. In 1998, Billa began teaching kids roaming the streets
under a mango tree. Through word of mouth, more and more kids began
arriving until there were over 80 kids sitting under the tree! After
teaching all morning and coaching soccer all afternoon, Billa would work until
11pm each night to pay for school supplies for the children. Many
criticized him for not using his college education to get a high-paying job,
but he did what he felt compelled to do; to make it easier for kids to get an
education that came from a background like his. He did not want their
path to be as hard as his was, so he gave everything he had to help these
children. 10 years later, he attracted the attention of a charity in England
and has built a proper school with over 150 children. I am in awe of
Billa. He still gives literally every penny to the kids. That is
the kind of person I want to be.
His
story spoke to me like no other. I am determined to continue with this
project long after I leave Ghana; Billa suggested I become the American
Volunteer Coordinator and I think I will. I would love to continue
spreading the word, raising money, and sharing about my experience here.
Last
week, I began as teacher assistant in Brendan's classroom. Brendan is an
incredible teacher; he keeps classroom control while maintaining a fun
atmosphere. So happy to get some hands on classroom experience. Let
the learning begin!
On
Saturday, there was tennis tournament fundraiser for Future Leaders at the
British High Embassy. We brought a couple of the kids that live at the
school along as a treat. Watching them have their first experiences on a
trampoline, on the swings, and working on their swimming skills was beautiful.
Attached
is a picture of Bill and I under the first mango tree he taught under and the kids with their papier-mâché
balloons we made in afternoon school (which we will paint later this week).
Best,
Jess
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